A delighted Palestine coach Jamal Mahmoud said the 2-0 win over fancied Afghanistan in the semi-final on Tuesday had made his side believe they were capable of winning the title.

"That win against the Afghans was very important," he said. "I think we were also the better team in the final. This is a very proud moment for us and our fans back home. We have not let them down.

"We are all very excited about getting a chance to be part of the Asian Cup. We will prepare well for it."

President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday evening telephoned the team to congratulate the players and coaches.

Abbas also praised the Palestinian Football Federation, namely its president Jibril Rajoub, for efforts they have been exerting to improve soccer in Palestine.

Palestinians celebrate in the West Bank city of Ramallah on May 30, 2014, after Palestine qualified for their maiden Asian Cup appearance with a 1-0 win over injury-hit Philippines in the final of the AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives (AFP Abbas Momani)

Ma'an staff contributed to this report.

1 ) Who said Palestinians / Can't kick???

31/05/2014 12:44

soon in the MUNDIAL~!

2 ) @ Who-1 / USA

31/05/2014 21:57

Kicking seems to be all they can do, where:
- Making rockets that can hit targets in Israel is a Failure,
- Making Peace with Israel & Palestinian Statehood is a Failure, and
- Making a Unity Government seems likely to be a Failure too, so
this may be Palestine's only one success for many years to come !!

3 ) They Kick the wrong ball / USA

31/05/2014 22:09

They should kick Israel back to Europe.

4 ) Kora / Belgium

31/05/2014 23:30

Well done, congratulations, well deserved win.

5 ) Rami / Palestine

01/06/2014 08:32

#2 And we all know that Israeli teams are piss poor racists and could never win any international cup. The only way that Israel could give itself an advantage is by arresting, torturing or permanently disabling Palestinian athletes.

6 ) sergio roque fernandes / portugal

06/06/2014 22:04

congratulations. i saw the highlight of the final match. great goal. perfect free kick.

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